A step file containing the 3D printable parts for the Vortex swept volume display. It's designed around some components I had to hand, and probably wouldn't be the optimal design if you're starting from scratch. I hope it's at least a useful reference.
- The frame holds two P1.875 128x64 LED panels. FrameA and FrameB replace the rubber mounts on the original panels
- Two 6mm x 225mm carbon fibre rods hold the panels rigidly to the core
- The core holds a Raspberry Pi 4, a Hub75 interface (similar to this) and a photointerrupter for synchronisation
- 6015 bearing at the top (large enough for a Pi to fit through)
- 6804 bearing at the bottom
- The slip ring is from a car alternator - parts ASL9013 and ABH6004S
- Mean Well LRS-100-12 power supply
- YM2776 motor
- A bunch of M4 nuts and bolts
There are two options for the control dial. The fancy version uses a Raspberry Pi Pico W, an accelerometer, another photointerrupter, a rotary encoder and a Waveshare 1.28" round touch screen. The accelerometer is to help with dynamic balancing (if you build one of these you'll be spending a lot of time balancing it). The alt version is just a motor speed controller and a knob.
The Core has two 6mm channels to anchor the carbon fibre rods that hold the panels. These get narrower where they pass the toothed section for the drive belt. This is purely to improve the print quality on the teeth by keeping a thick wall all around the circumference. You need to run a 6mm drill down the length of those channels before you can fit the rods in.
The counterweights are designed to hold 1/2 oz lead sinkers
The casing is designed to hold a truncated 300mm sphere. I used a post top lamp, cut to size. I've included the jig I used to hold a Dremel in the existing opening and make a neat cut.
When you're peering into your rickety spinning contraption, make sure you're wearing eye protection.